4 reasons why the Vikings should trade down from pick No. 14

To get their second-round pick back

One reason the Vikings should look to move down this year is to get their second-round choice back. Minnesota swung a deal last August when they realized that Danielle Hunter would be lost for the season and they gave the Jacksonville Jaguars a second-round choice to acquire star edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue.

Ngakoue wasn’t a bust for the Vikings, as he did have five sacks in six games, but the team was 1-5 at that point and looking like a long shot to make the playoffs. Realizing this, Minnesota general manager Rick Spielman quickly dealt Ngakoue to the Baltimore Ravens, getting a third-round pick in the process. While the trade was definitely regrettable, at least Spielman was able to get something back.

In the second round of this year’s NFL Draft, there could be plenty of players on the board that would be a huge help to the Vikings next season. Guards like Creed Humphrey and Wyatt Davis could be available, as could defensive players like safety Richie Grant, defensive tackle Daviyon Nixon, and defensive end Carlos “Boogie” Basham.

Landing one of these players in addition to a first-round choice could potentially give Minnesota two starters with their first two picks.

Spielman also has a great track record in the second round as he recently drafted players like Ezra Cleveland, Irv Smith Jr., Brian O’Neill, and Dalvin Cook. There’s no reason to think he wouldn’t be able to find another stud in the second round this year, making getting that second-round pick back a priority.